Aerobic exercise resulted in less brain tissue loss:
Previous research has demonstrated that the human brain gradually loses tissue density after the age of thirty in the frontal, parietal, and temporal cortices as a function of the aging process. A study looked at MRIs of people 55 years and older showed that there were marked differences in brain tissue densities based upon age and amount of aerobic fitness. The study showed that people involved in cardiovascular fitness greatly maintained more brain volumes and cognitive function in these areas of the brain. (19)
Aerobic exercise and risk of disability:
Aerobic exercise may reduce the risk of disability and mortality of older adults into their 80s. Nine lifelong cross-country skiers, with a mean age of 81 years and a history of aerobic exercise and participation in endurance events throughout their lives, where examined to determine whole body aerobic capacity and myocellular markers of oxidative metabolism. A cycle test was used to measure aerobic capacity (VO2 max) and a resting vastus lateralis muscle biopsy was used to measure oxidative enzymes associated with muscle health. Six age-matched, healthy, untrained men were used as a comparison. Results indicated that the athletes had a higher absolute [2.6 vs. 1.6 L•min(-1)] and relative [38 vs. 21 ml•kg(-1)•min(-1)] aerobic capacity, heart rate [160 vs. 146 b•min(-1)], and final workload (182 vs. 131 watts). Among athletes, muscle oxidative enzymes were 54% (citrate synthase) and 42% (βHAD) higher. In summary, compared to their counterparts, the lifelong athletes had better cardiovascular and skeletal muscle health that was associated with lower risk for disability and mortality. (20)